PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — A fire at a synagogue in Punta Gorda is being investigated as a hate crime, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said on Monday.

The fire occurred late Friday night at the Chabad of Charlotte County on West Henry Street. Punta Gorda Fire Rescue responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the flames without any injuries to civilians or first responders.

NBC affiliate WBBH reported that the fire mainly affected a classroom inside the synagogue that was used for online classes for kids. In addition to damage from the flames, the suspect also spray-painted the letter "J" around the building. • WBBH • WBBH • WBBH • WBBH

On Saturday, the Punta Gorda Police Department said it would be investigating the fire as "criminal in nature" due to evidence found at

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